TOIC Wins BEST ICE CREAM FLAVORS

April 01 2011

"You may need a translator to fully appreciate Tara's unforgettable flavors, from Adzuki Black Sesame to Yerba Santa. This New Mexico transplant brought her eco-friendly business to Oakland in 2008 and, boy, are we glad to have her. Stepping into Tara's, you'll often find the owner behind the counter wearing a sunny smile and a bright bandanna to match. These ice creams sing with the essence of everything from Bay Laurel (a must-try!) to Pink Peppercorn. Don't be surprised to find yourself slack-jawed in front of the case, trying one spoonful after another. Even in the ice-cream-saturated market that is the East Bay, Tara's takes it to a whole new level. The flavors pack a punch, but the impact on the environment is minimal. Tara's uses compostable cups made from sugarcane, spoons made from potato starch, and all-recycled paper products. Handmade cones, including the don't-miss version with sesame seeds folded into the batter, also shine. Available flavors — all seasonal — are posted daily on Facebook, if you want to know what you'll find before stepping into this ice-cream wonderland. Not a bad idea, since you might need to consult a reference book to determine what your options really are."

“Simply our favorite place for ice cream. We like bringing friends to tast all the unique flavors. No one's ever been disappointed or not found something they didn't love. Usually no lines and the scoopers are very helpful and generous with their time. Did I mention real spoons for tasting? Nice.” -Lisa L, Yelp